Mr Gatti’s Pizza Morehead Helps Fight Summer Hunger with Free Meals for Local Kids

From June 10 through August 5, the locally owned restaurant at 520 E. Main St. welcomed children ages 5 to 14 every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a free personal cheese pizza and a drink. The weekly program was designed to give children access to a hot meal while school was out and provide additional support to families in the Morehead community during the summer months.

The effort marked the second year that Mr Gatti’s Pizza in Morehead has participated in the summer meal initiative. The restaurant joined with other local businesses, including Fazoli’s and Giovanni’s, as part of a collaborative effort among Morehead restaurants to help ensure children had access to meals during the summer break.

For families who depend on school-based breakfast and lunch programs during the academic year, summer can create an additional challenge when those meals are no longer readily available. By opening its doors each Wednesday and providing a complimentary meal, Mr Gatti’s Pizza aimed to offer families a simple, welcoming resource close to home.

“We just want everybody to know that we love our community and do what we can do to help,” said Dana Brown, franchise owner of Mr Gatti’s Pizza in Morehead. “As a locally owned restaurant, being part of this community means looking for ways to support our neighbors when they need it most. We want every child who walks through our doors to feel welcome and know they have a place where they can enjoy a meal.”

By providing a free lunch each Wednesday throughout the summer, Mr Gatti’s Pizza in Morehead gave children more than a pizza and a drink. It gave local families another place to turn during a time of year when access to regular meals can be more difficult, and demonstrated what can happen when local businesses come together around a common goal.